Well, you don't say anything about the type of network connections you're
using (ethernet local? dial-up or broadband for the internet?) And you
don't mention the "everything" you tried. I'm not a network admin, but I'll
tell you what my approach would be.
First, I'd start with the basics like checking the status of the NIC itself
and the protocols/services riding on it. (i.e. TCP/IP). If it's a dialup
connection, look at the modem properties and use the diagnostics. If the
basic hardware drivers are hosed, you're not going to get very far at all.
Next, try to ping one of your local machines - - if you can't get a ping
back from one of your local machines, I'd go back and spend more time on the
NIC, the drivers and protocols. Also check all the cables are properly
seated and your local hub or router has the appropriately blinky lights.
If you are able to ping locally, try to ping externally. C:\ >ping
www.microsoft.com. Any luck?
If ping is working but higher-level functions like File and Printer sharing
or Internet browsing are down, that narrows the field a little. It could be
a LogonID security issue preventing local file sharing. If the WorkGroup
name got changed in your install process, that would certainly break File
sharing. Are you using a router? I can reach my local router via Internet
Explorer and view settings and such. Can you do the same? Have you
changed the local computer's IP or Computer Name? The list goes on and on.
You have to start at the bottom, take one step at a time and work your way
up to the "fancy" stuff like web surfing.
If you are completely lost, use the Windows Help and Support topics and read
read read. The first time I set up a home network I think it took me a week
and a half of reading docs, rebooting and stumbling around. Once I got it
down, I wrote up EVERYTHING. I've had to adjust a few times when my
broadband provider changed or I upgraded operating systems, but the basic
stuff for a simple home network really hasn't changed much at all in several
years.
Sorry I don't have a simple answer for you. Best of Luck!
